Connector for Coupling a Handpiece to a Dental Treatment Center

ABSTRACT

A system for driving an electric handpiece in response to a pneumatic control signal may provide for fast interchange of handpieces, self-calibration and wide dynamic range of operation with precise speed control. The system may be incorporated into virtually any dental treatment center using traditional pneumatic drive handpieces, and a conversion kit may facilitate such conversion. The system may provide not only for controlling the speed and torque of a tool coupled to an electric drive handpiece responsive to a pneumatic control signal, it may also provide for coupling cooling air and treatment media, such as air and/or water to the handpiece. Coupling of a handpiece to an operating base of the system, including coupling of media lines and electrical connections may be made with a simple press and twist action using quick connection structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/347,546 filed Dec.31, 2008, which claims the priority benefit under USC 119 of DE 10 2008009 623 filed Feb. 18, 2008, the entire respective disclosures of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent relates to the field of dental treatment, and in particular,this patent relates to a treatment center with an electric drive that isresponsive to a pneumatic control signal.

BACKGROUND

Dental treatment centers have generally relied upon a controlled sourceof compressed air to drive air motor or turbine powered handpieces toeffect treatment. Control of the speed of the handpiece is related tothe pressure of the air reaching the air motor or turbine, and the airpressure is controlled by a pedal or similar device. Manipulation of thepedal allowed the practitioner to control very precisely the turbinespeed and therefore the speed of rotation or oscillation of the toolmounted in the handpiece.

More recently, electric drive handpieces including compact electricmotors that provide driving torque to the tool have found favor owing totheir flexibility in controlling both the speed of operation as well asthe torque exerted by the tool. However, most existing dental treatmentcenter installations are configured for pneumatic handpieces andpneumatic control thereof. Generally speaking, replacement of the entiretreatment center to support electric drive handpieces is costprohibitive.

With the introduction of the ELECTROtorque TLC and the ELECTROtorquePlus systems, the assignee of the instant application offered a systemproviding pneumatic control of an electric drive for a handpiece. Thesedevices tailored to the older dental treatment facility having onlycompressed air available as a drive medium, opened up the possibility ofexpanding the types of drive instruments that could be used with atreatment center. These devices operated by converting the compressedair previously used to drive the air motor or turbine into an electriccontrol signal for driving an electric motor for operating thehandpiece.

A device, such as the ELECTROtorque TLC or ELECTROtorque Plus, thatconverts the compressed air into a control signal must operate with avariety of treatment centers and with a variety of air supply conditionsand pressures. To account for variations in air supply conditions, thesesystems and those like them require a calibration process to associate amaximum electric motor speed with a maximum system pressure of thetreatment unit. The calibration process must be performed frequently andrequires a number of specific and carefully planned steps taking timeand effort.

Not only providing an electric control signal to the handpiece, thedevice converting the system air pressure to an electric control signalalso provides cooling air to the handpiece and air and water media usedin the treatment process. The system also needs to be flexible inaccepting multiple different handpieces used in various procedures.Changing from one handpiece to another must be quick and easy and cannotrequire complicated changing over of medium line connections orcomplicated coupling of the electric motor to the handpiece. Generally,the initial setup, configuration, reconfiguration and use of the systemshould be simple and not require special training or procedures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graphic illustration of a dental treatment centerincorporating a driving system in accordance with the embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a system in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a control unit and associated connectionof the system illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross section view of a handpiece connector of the systemillustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an end perspective view of the connector illustrated in FIG.4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a handpiece attaching procedure.

FIG. 7 is an electrical block diagram of the system illustrated in FIG.2.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are graphs illustrating a calibration and adaptation of acontrol unit for a system for driving an electric handpiece in responseto a pneumatic control signal in accordance with embodiments of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system in accordance with the inventions of this patent for driving anelectric handpiece in response to an operator controlled pneumaticcontrol signal provides for fast interchange of handpieces,self-calibration and wide dynamic range of operation with precise speedcontrol. The system may be incorporated into virtually any dentaltreatment center using traditional pneumatic drive handpieces, and aconversion kit facilitates such conversion. The system provides not onlyfor controlling the speed and torque of a tool coupled to an electricdrive handpiece responsive to a pneumatic control signal, it alsoprovides for coupling the compressed air source for cooling andtreatment media, such as air and/or water to the handpiece.

Coupling of a handpiece to an operating base of the system, includingcoupling of media lines and electrical connections may be made with asimple press and twist action. There is no requirement separately tocouple media lines or electrical connections.

Automatic, self-calibration occurring upon initial use and continuouslyduring use ensures a desired maximum tool speed always can be obtainedand maintained regardless of fluctuations or changes in supply airpressure. Eliminated are the time consuming and complicated calibrationprocedures used in the prior art. Tool speed control over the full rangeof available air pressure provides precise speed control and enhancedfeel, especially at the lowest and highest tool speeds.

FIG. 1 illustrates a dental treatment center 100 that includes a patientchair 102 mounted to an adjusting pedestal stand 104. A facilities base106 provides a single mounting position for one or more treatment units,with two being illustrated a doctor delivery unit 112 and an assistantinstrumentation unit 114. The treatment units may be operated from afoot actuated pedal 116 disposed within the pedestal stand 104. Morethan one pedal 116 may be provided, and two are shown in FIG. 1. Atreatment light 118 and a cuspidor 120 may also be provided from thefacilities base 106.

Each treatment unit may include one or more handpieces. For example, thedoctor delivery unit 112 is configured for six (6) handpieces 122 whilethe assistant instrument unit 114 is configured for four (4) handpieces124. Each handpiece is received within a slot (not visible) in therespective treatment unit 112/114.

The treatment center 100 may be coupled to sources (not depicted) ofcompressed air and treatment media such as water and air. Each handpiecemay be a pneumatically operated handpiece. That is, each handpiece mayoperate based upon control of a supply of compressed air to thehandpiece via the pedal 116. However, it may be desirable to utilizeelectric drive handpieces in the treatment center 100. This can beaccomplished even where the treatment center 100 is solely configured asa pneumatic treatment center, i.e., capable only of providing compressedair as a drive source for the handpieces.

Upgrading the pneumatic powered treatment center 100 to electricalhandpiece operation is effected by system 200 capable of converting thepneumatic signal from the pedal 116 that would otherwise directly drivea pneumatic handpiece into an electric signal to drive an electrichandpiece. In this regard, the treatment center 100 capable only ofaccommodating pneumatic handpieces may be configured with one or moreelectric drive handpieces. One such electric drive handpiece isillustrated in FIG. 1 as handpiece 122′, which may be a compact,micro-motor handpiece responsive to an electric drive signal,incorporates fiber optic work lighting, air cooling and media delivery.The system 200 may be fitted to the doctor delivery unit 112, thefacilities base 106 or any other suitable location on the dentaltreatment center 100. The system 200 is then coupled to the dentaltreatment center 100 source of compressed air and treatment media viasuitable line connections 126 and to the at least one handpiece 122′.

FIG. 2 illustrates the system 200 for driving an electric handpiece 122′responsive to a pneumatic control signal in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. The system 200 may be used to adapt apneumatic only treatment center and to utilize the pneumatic output ofthe control pedal 116 to provide a control signal to a drive an electricdrive handpiece, such as the handpiece 122′.

The system 200 may be considered in two portions, a base or systemportion 202 and an electric drive handpiece, such as the handpiece 122′.As will be explained, numerous handpieces having various configurationsmay be quickly and easily coupled to the base 202 via the quickconnector 204. From the quick connector 204, a media and electricalcoupling line 206 extends between the quick connector 204 and a controlunit 208 thus coupling the electric drive handpiece 122′ to the controlunit 208 via the quick connector 204 and the line 206.

The control unit 208 includes a plurality of media ports as part of amedia connector 210 best seen in FIG. 3. The media connector 210 allowsthe control unit 208 to couple to a source of compressed air andtreatment media such as air and water. Power is supplied from a mainpower source via a common or typical power cord 216 to provide power tothe control unit 208 via the power-in port 220. A power supply withinthe control unit converts the available electrical power, e.g., 100 to240 VAC; 47 to 60 Hz electrical power to 36 VDC for powering the controlunit 208.

Referring in particular to FIG. 3, the media connector 210 may be formedas a four-port connector. The four-port connector is standard in thedental instrument industrial to allow coupling of the compressed airsource (and associated return) and air and water treatment media in asingle connector. Separate couplings may be provided, or a four-portconnector of virtually any other configuration may be provided.

FIG. 3 further illustrates that control unit 208 may have a housing 224with attachment flanges 226. The attachment flanges allow the controlunit 208 to be mounted at virtually any convenient location of thedental treatment center 100, and for example to the doctor delivery unit112. Therefore, the dental treatment center 100 may consist of apneumatic only treatment center adapted to include a system 200 bymounting the control unit 208 to the treatment center 100 and couplingthe power cord 216 and media port 210 (compressed air and treatmentmedia) to the control unit 208. Thereafter, an electric handpiece 122′may be coupled to the control unit via the quick connector 204 tocomplete the conversion of at least one handpiece station of thetreatment center 100 to electric handpiece use.

While so far it has been described to configure a treatment center 100with a single electric handpiece 122′, the treatment center 100 may beconfigured to support more than one electric handpiece. In this regard,multiple systems 200 may be adapted to the dental treatment center 100.Alternatively, a control unit may be configured by providing connectinglines for multiple electric drive handpieces and, if necessary, multiplemedia inputs to support conversion of a dental treatment center for usewith multiple electric drive handpieces.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 and referring also to FIG. 4,the quick connector 204 includes a base portion 400 secured to thecoupling line 206. The base portion 400 includes a multi-port nipple 402and a retractable, spring biased electrical connector block 404 havingan end portion 406 extending from an end surface 408 of the quickconnector 204.

The connector 204 has a jacket or sleeve 410 made of a suitable durablematerial such as a medical grade metal including without limitationcoated or plain stainless steel and an inner member 412 made of plasticor other suitable material. The inner member 410 may be a single moldedpart or an assembly of pieces. The jacket 410 defines a first aperture414 and a second aperture 416 at opposing ends and a chamber 418 within.An end 420 of the coupling line 206 extends through the first aperture414 and into the chamber 418. A jacket portion 422 of the coupling line206, which may be multi-layer as shown, widens into a shoulder portion424 within the chamber 418 and engages a bushing or shoulder portion 426of the inner member 412 disposed within the chamber 418 adjacent thefirst aperture 414. Engagement of the shoulder portion 424 with thebushing portion 426 partially secures the coupling line 206 to the baseportion 400. The coupling line 206 may be secured by friction, adhesive,combinations thereof or by any suitable device.

Media lines, one illustrated as media line 430, corresponding tocompressed source air, return air, treatment air and treatment waterextend into the chamber. Each may couple via a check valve or other flowcontrol device 432 to a via passage 434 leading to an aperture 436formed in an outer surface 438 of the nipple 402. The nipple 402 isformed with a plurality of annular recesses 440 each receiving an o-ring442 (depicted in FIG. 5) segmenting the nipple 402 into a plurality ofsegments 444. Each segment 444 corresponds to a media line and allowsseparate coupling of media to corresponding lines within the handpiece122′ (not depicted).

The electrical connecter block 404 is slideably received within a pocket452 formed within the inner member 412. A spring 454 biases theelectrical connector block 404 such that the first portion or protrudingend 406 of the electrical connector block 404 may extend outwardly fromthe end surface 408 of the connector 204. The electrical connector block404 is slideable within the pocket 452 so that the protruding end 406 ofthe connector block 404 may be pressed into the connecter 204 and notprotrude from the end surface 408. Thus, the electrical connector block404 is slidable between two positions. The first position is a positionbiased by the spring 454 at which the end portion 406 protrudesoutwardly and beyond the end surface 408. In the second position, theelectrical connector block 404 is pressed into the pocket 452 so thatthe protruding end 406 no longer protrudes from the end surface 408.

The protruding end 406, and in particular a surface 460 of theprotruding end of the electrical connector is formed with a plurality ofapertures 462 that extend into the electrical connector block 404. Eachaperture 462 corresponds with a pin and socket type electricalconnector. That is, disposed within each aperture 462 is a socketportion of a pin socket-type electrical connecter. Corresponding pinportions of the pin socket connectors are disposed within the handpiece122′. Each socket portion is coupled to a conductor, a wire, a flexibleconductor or other suitable connection, for example, which allows theelectrical connector block 404 to move between its first and secondpositions. The conductors extend from the electrical connector block 404into the line 206 and to control unit 208. Flange, tab, spade or othertype connectors may be used in place of the pin socket-type connectors.

The end surface 408 is also formed with a lamp socket 464. A lamp 466 isreceived within the lamp socket 464 and is electrically coupled throughthe connector 204 to the base unit 208. Light emitted from the lamp 466is coupled by a fiber optic disposed within the handpiece 122′ to a lensthat illuminates a work area during use of the handpiece 122′.

The structure of the connector 204, the nipple 402 and the electricalconnector block 404 facilitate coupling of a handpiece 122′ to theconnector 204. An end surface 470 of the nipple 402 may be chamfered tofacilitate insertion into a corresponding socket formed in the handpiece122′. The handpiece 122′ and the connector 204 are simply pressedtogether as indicated by arrow “A” of FIGS. 2 and 6 until an end surface128 of the handpiece 122′ engages the end surface 408 of the connector204. This action slides the electrical connector block 404 into thepocket 452. Then, the handpiece 122′ is simply rotated, as indicated bythe arrow “B” in FIGS. 2 and 6. When the electrical connector block 404aligns within a socket (not depicted) formed in the handpiece 122′, thespring 454 pushes the electrical connector block 404 into the socket.This action couples the pin socket-type connectors completing theelectrical connection between the connector 204 and the handpiece 122′and hence completes the electrical connection between the control unit208 and the handpiece 122′. Frictional engagement between the nipple 402and the handpiece ′116 socket, a detent or other structure may securethe handpiece 122′ to the connector 204. For example, the nipple 402 maybe formed with a ridge 472 to engage a clip, spring or other structureof the handpiece. Application of an axially directed force (arrow “A” inFIGS. 2 and 6) on the handpiece 122′ separates the handpiece 122′ fromthe connector 204. A more detailed description of the connector 204 isprovided in the applicant's co-pending PCT/EP2007/009462 designating theUnited States of America, which is incorporate herein by reference.

The system 200 is illustrated in block form in FIG. 7. The controller208 includes control circuitry 702, power supply 704 and media controlblock 706. The control circuitry 702 may include a microprocessor,microcontroller, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chipand/or dedicated circuitry, memory 708 and other circuitry for affectingoperation of the controller 208 as described herein. The controlcircuitry 702 may communicate with the media control block 706 viaconductors 712. The media lines connect to the controller 208 via themedia connector, e.g., media connector 210, and extend to the connector204 via the lines 206. The control circuitry 702 may couple to anindicator 710, such as LEDs and reset/test push button 714. The powercord 216 connects to the power supply 704, which provides power to thecontroller 208.

The control circuitry 702 incorporates a pressure transducer 716 coupledto the compressed air media line (indicated as “cooling air” in thefigure as the compressed air source is further used for coolingpurposes) via the media port 210. The pressure transducer 716 provides apressure signal to the control circuitry 702 indicative of theinstantaneous pressure of the compressed air. The control circuitry 702is adapted to determine from the pressure signal the pressure of thecompressed air including a maximum pressure of the compressed air tostore that value in the memory 708. As described below, the controlcircuitry 702 is capable of providing an automatic calibration processto determine a characteristic curve for controlling the handpiece 122′in response to modulation of the compressed air source via the pedal116. The orientation of the handpiece 122′, shown on the left side ofthe controller 208 in FIG. 2 and on the right side of the controller 208in FIG. 7, is merely for convenience of the figures and the description.Either configuration may be employed in implementing the invention.

The media control block is further capable of communicating media to thehandpiece 122′ for cooling purposes. Additionally, the media controlblock is operable also to provide treatment media, such as air or water,to the work site.

The handpiece 122′ incorporates a motor 720, driven by an electricsignal provided to it by the control circuitry 702. The handpiece 122′may also include identification circuitry 722. The identificationcircuitry 722 may be interrogated by the control circuitry 702 toidentify the handpiece 122′ as being compatible with the system 200. Theidentification circuitry 722 may also identify the type of handpiece122′ and potentially a calibration profile saved within the memory 708corresponding to it. The identification circuitry 722 simply may be aresistor the value of which is measured by the control circuitry 702.

One of the operating functions of the controller 208 is an automaticself-calibration upon initiating use and continuous recalibration duringuse. Calibration of the system 200 ensures the highest operating speedof the handpiece can be attained. Continuous recalibration ensures thatthe highest operating speed can be consistently obtained. Providing withwidest operating speed range provides enhanced sensitivity especially atthe highest and lowest operating speeds.

FIG. 8 shows a transfer function 800 in accordance with which the inputpressure is converted into a speed of rotation of the handpiece 122.This transfer function 800 is based on two reference points 802 and 804defining a generally straight-line response characteristic in theillustrated embodiment. Alternate response characteristics, such as arcsof various curvature, may be employed.

An input pressure value p_(start) is associated with a minimal speed ofrotation n_(min). Only when this input pressure value p_(start) isexceeded is thus the electric motor started and operated with theminimal speed of rotation n_(min). With increase of pressure there isthen effected a corresponding increase of the speed of rotation, untilthe maximum pressure p_(max) is achieved, which corresponds to a maximumspeed of rotation n_(max) for the motor. Thus based on this transferfunction 800 during running operation an instant pressure valuep_(current) can at any time be associated with a corresponding speed ofrotation n_(current). Thus, an actuation of the pedal 116, via which thecompressed air of the treatment center 100 can be varied, leads in theend to a change of speed of rotation of the handpiece 122′.

It is to be noted that the transfer function 800 is not restricted tothe illustrated linear form. As an alternative to this it would also forexample be conceivable to place between the two reference points 802 and804 example a transfer function in form of an exponential curve, whichwould then open up the possibility of carrying out a finer setting inthe lower range of speed of rotation.

Independently of the form of the transfer function 800, for enhancedcontrol and feel of operation of the handpiece 122′ the transferfunction 800 may be adapted to the current pressure conditions in anoptimal manner. In other words, the upper reference point 804 shouldcorrespond as well as possible to the maximum pressure provided by thetreatment center 100, in order to be able to fully exploit the controlpossibilities. Since however different dental-medical treatment centersprovide compressed air in different pressure ranges, it is necessary tocarry out a corresponding adaptation or a calibration for an optimaloperation of the handpiece 122′. FIG. 9 illustrates a procedure toaccomplish this in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, calibration is notlimited to an initialization procedure. Instead, the control unit 208 ofthe system 200 is configured so that it determines continuously theinput side air pressure and stores data relating to the same. Inparticular, the measured maximum pressure during running operation maybe determined and stored. This maximum pressure is then taken intoaccount for the formation of the upper reference point 804. A fixedlypredetermined input pressure value p_(start) may be used for the lowerreference point 802. The transfer function 800 is then determined, byinterpolation for example, between the two reference points.

FIG. 9 shows two cases. In a first case the system provides a maximumpressure p_(max1). For this case, the transfer function 810 isautomatically formed with the associated upper end-point 812. In theevent, however, that in the course of the operation a higher maximumpressure p_(max2) is determined, the upper reference point 814 isautomatically adapted and correspondingly the transfer function 816 isdefined.

An advantage of this procedure in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention is that a transfer function optimally suitable for thecorresponding system is generated automatically during running operationof the handpiece 122′. In the end, it is sufficient if the user of thesystem 200, upon first starting the handpiece 122′, sets a maximum powerwith the aid of the pedal 116. Since this is normally carried out as astandard procedure, to briefly check the functioning of the system,there is no additional steps or procedures required for calibration.

The maximum pressure value p_(max) determined by the controller 208 isfurther stored in the memory 708, which is preferably a non-volatilememory. Even after a temporary deactivation of the system 200, thus thecorrect transfer function is available automatically upon a restart.Pressing the test/reset button 714 deletes stored calibration data sothat a new calibration is carried out when the system 200 is again used.Further it can be provided that the determined maximum pressure value isreduced slightly upon each restart of the handpiece 122′ in order toautomatically adapt the system to slightly changed pressure conditions.Of course, during operation, and in accordance with embodiments of theinvention, the maximum pressure and a corresponding transfer functionare continuously determined.

Thus, through the procedure in accordance with embodiments of theinvention, the use of the system 200 is simplified considerably whileperformance is enhanced. The requirement of a specific calibrationprocess may be eliminated. Moreover, variations in the pressure of theinput compressed air values does not automatically lead to changes inoperating the possible operating speed of the handpiece 122′, which canbe optimally maintained. It is also conceivable not only to adjust thespeed of the handpiece 122′ but to also adjust the power, the torqueand/or the material removal power of the tool operated by the medicalinstrument. Further, the system 200 may be configured to simply providea digital control signal that could be provided to a device, which isthen suitably used by the device. However, the system preferablydirectly assumes complete control, that is, to directly control ahandpiece to the desired speed of rotation or power.

While specific embodiments are described, it should be understood thatvarious aspects of the embodiments might be combined in a manner otherthan described herein. For example, the advantages of the connector 204may be employed in dental treatment centers already configured forelectric handpieces. Likewise, it is possible for a system 200 to takeadvantage of the automatic and continuous calibration process withoutalso using the connector 204. Considering again FIG. 2, one may use aconversion kit for converting a pneumatic dental treatment center toelectric. Such a kit would consist of the components of the system 200and may further include one or more handpieces 122′ in combination withsuitable installation instructions.

While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, certain embodiments are shown by way of example inthe drawings and the herein described embodiments. It will beunderstood, however, that this disclosure is not intended to limit theinvention to the particular forms described, but to the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover all modifications, alternatives, andequivalents defined by the appended claims.

It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined inthis patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘______’ ishereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intentto limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication,beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not beinterpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in anysection of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To theextent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent isreferred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning,that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader,and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implicationor otherwise, to that single meaning. Unless a claim element is definedby reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of anystructure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element beinterpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph.

1. A connector for coupling a handpiece to a dental treatment center,the connector comprising: a nipple having a plurality of segmentsdefined by o-rings disposed within recesses formed in an outer surfaceof the nipple, an aperture formed in each segment extending from theouter surface to an interior of the nipple, and each aperture beingcoupled to a media line; and an electrical connector block slideablewithin a housing of the connector between a first position and a secondposition, where in the first position a portion of the electricalconnector block extends from an end surface of the connector and in thesecond position the electrical connector block is disposed within thehousing such that an end surface of the electrical connector block beingeven with the end surface of the connector.
 2. The connector of claim 1,the electrical connector block comprising a pin portion or a socketportion of a pin and socket-type connector.
 3. The connector of claim 1,the housing formed to include an aperture at one end thereof, a linereceived within the aperture, the line having a media line and anelectrical conductor disposed therein.
 4. The connector of claim 1,comprising a lamp being disposed within the housing.
 5. The connector ofclaim 4, the lamp being disposed within a recess formed in the endsurface.